Modular storage and shipping rack

ABSTRACT

An improved modular rack for storing and shipping articles constructed from a base having a pair of opposed corner members, each of the corner members including restraining means and key means, and a pair of end frames, each of the end frames having corresponding keeper means and key mating means thereby to mate with the restraining means and key means on the corner members such that each of the end frames may be securely held in position when in use and removably disengaged when not in use for easy storing.

United States Patent Jay 1 51 Feb. 11, 1975 [5 1 MODULAR STORAGE AND SHIPPING 3,565,018 2/1971 Jay... 108/55 x RACK FORElGN PATENTS OR APPLlCATlONS Inventori Richard Jay, Evanston, 111. 240,394 10/1962 Australia 1011 53 [73] A'ssignee: Jarke Corporation, Chicago, [11. F v Primary Examiner-R0y D. razier [22] Flled June 1973 Assistant Examiner-Robert W. Gibson, Jr. [21] Appl. No.1 373,883 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Dominik, Knechtel, Godula v & Demeur [52] US. Cl ..2ll/l77, 108/53, 108/55,

211/182, 403/353, 403/354, 403/363 S RA T Cl. An improved modular rack for toring and Field of Search 211/177, 182; 108/53, 551 articles constructed from a base having a pair of op 108/91, 1 11, 56; 248/165; 403/292, 293. posed corner members. each of the corner members 2981 3541 3551 363 including restraining means and key means. and a pair of end frames, each of the end frames having c0rrekerfel'ences Cited sponding keeper means and key mating means thereby UNITED STATES PATENTS to'mate with the restraining means and key means on 1,856,935 5/1932 Turners 211/182 the Corner members Such that each of the end frames 2,728,544 12/1955 Ayre r 103 53 may be securely held in position when in use and re- 3,136,425 6/1964 Greenbury..... 211/182 X movably disengaged when not in use for easy storing. 3,411,634 11/1968 Pesce 211/177 X 3/1970 Murray 108/53 8 Clalms, 6 Brawl"! PATENTED H975 $865,250

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PATENTEI] FEB] 1 I975 SHEET 2 OF 2 1 MODULAR STORAGE AND SHIPPING RACK BACKGROUND OF INVENTION This invention relates to a new and improved modular rack for storing and shipping articles of manufacture and the like. The improved racks of the present invention are intended to provide convenient storage and shipping racks which are effective during use for retaining the articles on the rack, while at the same time permitting ease of storage when not in use.

A variety of racks and pallets are known in the art which are utilized in connection with the storage and transportation of acticles. For example, common shipping pallets are well known which provide a platform upon which goods are stored, and below the platform are provided apertures for the insertion of the prongs of a fork lift'truck or the like. Other racks of the general type described herein are known in the art, the most relevant prior art rack being disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,565,018 which relates to a knock-down type modular rack permitting the end frames to be folded flat atop the base platform for storage purposes and permitting the end frames to be erected in an upright position for an in-use position, the aforesaid patent being assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

While the modular rack disclosed in US. Pat. No.

3,565,018 has been successful for the purpose intended, especially in connection with applications of high weight capacity, nevertheless it was still deemed desirable to provide another rack assembly, which would permit removal of the end frames while at the same time maintaining high strength when in use by avoiding the interruption of the metal posts with slots, channels or holes since such interruptions reduce the load capacities of the members reducing the overall surface area, and are a source of local failure when accidently deformed by impact with fork trucks or handling equipment. Furthermore, the assembly of the present invention is designed to avoid the possibility of the upright frames from jarring lose when in use, while at the same time permitting ease of removal for com pact storing purposes.

Accordingly it is the principal object of this invention to provide an improved modular storage and shipping rack having end frames which are completely removable when not in use, but which may be easily installed on the base portion of the assembly in locked and secured relationship thereby to permit use with high weight load capacities as well as low weight load capacities.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a modular storage and shipping rack of the type described generally above, which is formed by a rectangular base portion having a series of two pairs of corner members disposed in opposed relation with respect to one another, each of the corner members being open at the top and bottom ends thereof, with the top end of each corner member including restraining means mounted thereon, the key means mounted on each of the corner members and positioned below the restraining means, and a pair of removable rectangular shaped end frames formed by a pair of opposed side frame members and having a top transverse member fixedly secured therebetween, each of the side frame members having an extension plate mounted interiorly on the lower end thereof and extending downwardly there"- from and a lower transverse member fixedly secured on and extending between the opposed extension plates of opposed side frame members and having key mating means mounted on the lower transverse member and positioned to mate with the key means of each of the corner members and keeper means mounted on the lower end of each of the side frame members for nesting within the open top ends of each of the corner members, thereby to aid in maintaining the end frames in position when mounted on the base.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a modular storage and shipping rack as described in the foregoing object, wherein the restraining means consists of a restraint plate mounted across the lateral side of each of the corner members, thereby to provide a well for accommodating the insertion of the keeper means therein, and further, the key means consisting of a notched key plate which accommodates therein the key mating means, which consists of a key mating rod appropriately sized for nesting engagement with the notched key plate, whereby the engagement of the keeper means with the well and the key mating rod with the notched key plate rigidly secures the end frames in position in vertical orientation upon the rectangular base.

In conjunction with the foregoing objects, it is a further object of this invention to provide a modular storage and shipping rack of the type described wherein the lower ends of each of the corner members are flared outwardly such as to be nestable over the upper portions of corner members of an adjacent rectangular base such that a plurality of modular storage and shipping racks are stackable one atop the other.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a modular storage and shipping rack, of the type described wherein each of the corner members and each of the opposed side frame members of the end frames are V shaped in configuration thereby to pro vide maximum strength for accommodating high weight load capacities, in addition to simplifying the construction of the extension plate and its nesting relationship with respect to each of the corner members.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the elements and parts whereby the above-outlined and additional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which,

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view showing two of the modular storage and shipping racks of the present invention in stacked orientation, having the end frames positioned in a vertically upright in-use position;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view showing two of the modular storage and shipping racks of the present invention in stacked orientation, but having the end frames of each of the racks removed from the in-use position and stored in a flat horizontal position on their respective base portions, taken in the direction of the arrows along Line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top cross-sectional view illustrating the manner in which an end frame is nestingly locked in position on a corresponding corner member with the key mating rod nested in a key plate, and the keeper bar positioned within the open top well of a corresponding corner member;

FIG. 4 is a top view, partly in cross-section, illustrating an end frame disengaged from the corresponding corner member and laying horizontally in its free position, taken in the direction of the arrows of Line 44 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the end frame in disassembled orientation with respect to a corresponding base; and,

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view, partly in phantom, illustrating the manner in which the end frame is nested in position with a corresponding corner member of a base.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown a series of two modular racks, generally referred to by the numeral 10, one rack 10 being nestled upon another rack 10 in stacked orientation in the manner contemplated by the present invention. Each rack 10, is formed by a generally rectangular base 12, the base including a pair of end frames 30, mounted in opposed relation, one with respect to the other. As shown in FIG. 1 ofthe drawings, each of the modular storage and shipping racks are shown in assembled form and stacked orientation, whereas in FIG. 2 of the drawings, the end frames 30 have been removed from the nested position atop the corresponding base 12, and have been laid in a flat horizontal position upon the base 12.

FIG. 2 further illustrates that once the end frames 30 have been removed from their nested position, atop a corresponding base 12, and stacked in horizontal storage position upon the base 12, a series of base portions 12 may be stacked thereafter, one atop the other.

With reference to FIG. 5 of the drawings, the details of construction of the base 12 and the end frame 30 are more clearly shown. The base 12 is formed by a series of two pairs of corner members 14, each pair of corner members 14 being in opposed relation with respect to one another. Each corner member 14 is shown to assume a V-shaped configuration and having a flared lower portion 16, which facilitates the stacking arrangement permitted by the modular rack of the present invention. Each pair of corner members 14, are interconnected by means of an end rail 18 and the two pair of corner members 14 are interconnected by a pair of side rails 20. Hence, each base 12 is formed by a series of four corner members 14, interconnected by means of a pair of end rails 18 and a pair of side rails 20. Generally, all the connections between the corresponding elements are accomplished by means of weldments in view of the fact that it is contemplated that the modular racks of the present invention are formed of steel. However, depending upon the particular materials from which the racks of the present invention are formed, corresponding fastening and/or mounting means may be employed.

As will be further noted with reference to FIG. 5 of the drawings, each of the corner members is provided with a restraint plate 22, which is mounted between opposed ends of the V-shaped corner member 14, and positioned adjacent the top end thereof. Hence, the restraint plate 22 and the two legs of the V thereby form a well 23, which functions for a purpose to be more fully described hereinafter. It will further be noted that each corner member 14 is optionally provided with a notched key plate 24, again mounted between opposed legs of the V and positioned immediately above the corresponding end rail 18. The functioning of both the well 23 and the notched key plate 24, will be more fully described in conjunction with the method and means by which the end frames 30 are mounted upon the base The details of construction, of each of the end frames 30 is also clearly shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings. The end frames 30 are each rectangular in configuration and consist of a pair of opposed side frame members 32, having a V-shaped configuration, and being interconnected adjacent the top ends thereof by means of a transverse member 34. The lower ends of each of the frame members 32 are each provided with an extension plate 36 mounted across opposed legs of the V and extending downwardly therefrom. A lower transverse member 38 completes the rectangular assembly of each ofthe end frames 30, being mounted between opposed extension plates 36. As further shown in FIG. 5 a series of two article retaining upright members 40 are mounted in vertical disposition between the upper transverse member 34 and the lower transverse member 38. The article retaining upright members 40 function to facilitate the retention of articles when disposed upon the rack 10. The mountings of each of the respective elements one to the other are accomplished by weldments where the rack assembly is formed of steel or other suitable fastening means where the racks are to be formed of some other material. It is contemplated within the purview of the present invention that the modular rack 10 be formed from steel. Any commerciallyavailable bar stock of suitable rigidity depending upon the ultimate use intended may be employed.

As further noted in FIG. 5 of the drawings, the lower end of each of the side frame members 32 is provided with a keeper bar 42, which in the embodiment as depicted, is of a V shaped cross-section and dimensionally sized so as to nest within the corresponding well 23, formed in the open top portion of the respective corner member 14. Each keeper bar 42 is rigidly mounted to the lower end of the side frame member 32 such that when the keeper bar 42 is nested within the well 23 behind the restraint plate 22, a secure and rigid nesting arrangement is achieved. In order to further rigidify and secure each of the end frames 30 in position on a corresponding pair of corner members 14, a pair of key mating rods 44 are mounted on the lower transverse member 38 at opposed ends thereof by any suitable means such as a rivet 45 or the like, and extend outwardly through an aperture 46 provided in the lower end of the extension plate 36. Hence, the exposed end of the key mating rod 44 is adapted to be received within the notched portion of the notched key plate 24 when the end frame 30 is positioned onto a pair of corresponding corner members 14.

The respective spacing between each of the key mating rods 44, keeper bar 42 and lower end of each of the side frame members 32 is such that when an end frame 30 is positionably and nestingly mounted on a pair of corresponding corner members 14, the exposed end of the key mating rod 44, will rest within the notch of the notched key plate 24, with the keeper bars 42 being fully recessed within the well 23 such that the lower end of each of the side frame members 32 rest against the top end of the corner members 14.

The respective relationship between the assembly as described above is shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, wherein it will be noted that the keep'er bar 42 is nestled within the well 23 of the corner member 14, while the key mating rod 44 is nestled within the notch of the notched key plate 24. v

ln FIG. 4 of the drawings, it is illustrated the manner in which the end frame 30 may be removed from its nested relation with respect to the corner member 14 and stored in a horizontal position across the face of the base 12. It therefore becomes clear that once end frame 30 has been removed from its nested relation with respect to the base 12, by disengaging the keeper bar 32 from the well 23, and the key mating rod 44, from the notched portion of the notched key plate 24, the end frame 30 is completely disengaged and removed from the base and it is not in pivotal relation with respect thereto.

Quite obviously, in the desired and preferred embodiment, the base 12 also includes a plurality of article supporting cross rods 49 (FIG. 5) in a manner commonly known in this art.

As has been indicated hereinabove, the obvious advantage of using a V-shaped configuration for the side frame members 32 as well as the corner members 14 is that a very sturdy and rigid assembly can be achieved, especially when stacking one modular rack on top of another modular rack 10. Furthermore, the flared portion 16 of each of the corner members 14 may easily be formed when using a V-shaped configuration, while still achieving the same desirable rigidified assembly when stacking one unit above the other, while at the same time providing a unit which is very economical in manufacturing costs. However, it is to be understood that a variety of configurations for the side frame members 32, as well as the corner members 14, may be employed within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Similarly in the embodiment depicted in the drawings, the keeper bar 42 is shown to be of a V- shaped configuration, thereby to nest within the V- shaped well 23 as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings.

Quite obviously, the keeper bar 42 may be circular in configuration and be dimensionally sized so as to nest within the well 23 in the same manner as described herein.

in addition, alternative structures may be employed for the key mating rod 44, such as a bolt threaded through each of the extension plates 36, or a hook pivotally secured to the extension plates 36, which may be engaged with the notched key plate 24, which in turn, may be modified to accommodate any other similar fastening means employed on the extension plates 36. Alternatively, the extension plate 36 could be fashioned to terminate at its lower end in an inwardly extending flange thereby to nest within the notched portion of the notched key plate 24. In such an event, the key mating rod 44, as a separate element would not be necessary. Furthermore, the key mating rod 44 and key plate 24 may be entirely eliminated in lieu of a lengthened keeper bar 42 and restraint plate 22 such that additional stability is provided by the longer keeper bar 42 positioned within the deeper well 23 formed by the longer restraint plate 22.

It will be apparent from the above description and accompanying drawings that pursuant to this invention, there has been provided a modular storage and shipping rack which is economical in manufacturing costs while at the same time providing a sturdy and rigid article retention rack. Furthermore, the end frame members of the rack may be easily removed to permit easy storage of the unit once it is assembled. Furthermore,

the rack of the present invention provides nesting and interfitting parts and elements which, at the same time, minimize the stress forces on all joints when in the assembled position.

While there has been described what at present is considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made therein and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A modular storage and shipping rack for storing and shipping various articles of manufacture, comprising, in combination:

a rectangular base member,

said base member formed by a series of two pair of corner members, each of said corner members having an open side, one pair of said corner members being disposed such that the open sides of the corner members of said pair are in opposed relation with respect to the remaining pair of corner members,

a pair of end rails, each of said rails being fixedly secured to and extending between one pair of said corner members,

a pair of side rails, each of said side rails, fixedly se cured to and extending between said opposed pairs of corner members,

each of said corner members being constructionally sized to provide mounting nests at the top and bottom ends thereof,

the top end of the open side of each of said corner members including restraining means mounted there across,

key means mounted across the open side of each of said corner members positioned below and spaced from said restraining means thereby to provide an open space there between, and with said key means and restraining means lying in the same vertical plane,

a pair of removable rectangular shaped end frames, each end frame consisting of a pair of opposed side frame members, having a top transverse member fixedly secured there between,

each side frame member having an extension plate mounted inwardly of said frame member adjacent the lower end thereof, and extending downwardly therefrom,

said extension plate positioned to rest in close vertically parallel orientation and substantially abuting relation with respect to said restraining means and key means,

a lower transverse member fixedly secured on and extending between opposed extension plates of opposed side frame members,

a plurality of article retaining upright members mounted on and extending between said top transverse member and said lower transverse member,

key mating means mounted on said lower transverse member extending transverse with respect to the plane established by said restraining means and key means and positioned to mate with said key means when said rectangular end frames are mounted on said rectangular base member,

and keeper means mounted on the lower end of each of said side frame members,

said keeper means being dimensionally sized to nest within said top end of said corner member and be held in position by said restraining means such that said keeper means nests entirely within "said top end of said corner member permitting each of said side frame members and corresponding corner members to be in abuting relation, whereby said rectangular end frames may be removably mounted on said base member by nesting each of said keeper means within the top end of a corresponding corner member and held in position by said restraining means, while said key mating means is simultaneously mated with said key means to provide additional vertical stability and permit the lower end of each of said side frame members to abut against and form ajoint with the top end of the corresponding corner member while said keeper means, restraining means, key means and key mating means are all positioned inwardly with respect to each of said corner membersandside frame members.

2. The modular storage and shipping rack as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said restraining means comprises a restraint plate mounted across the open side of each of said corner members adjacent the top end thereof, and forming a well to accommodate the nesting therein of said keeper means. v

3. The modular storage and shipping rack as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said key means comprises a notched key plate mounted across the open side of each of said corner members below said restraining means, the notched portion of said notched key plate being dimensionally sized so as to accept said key mating means.

4. The modular storage and shipping rack as set forth in claim 3 above, wherein said key mating means comprises a key mating rod mounted on said lower transverse member and extending outwardly beyond said extension plate and being dimensionally sized so as to nest within the notched portion of said notched key plate, when said side frame members are positioned in vertical orientation upon said rectangular base memher.

5. The modular storage and shipping rack as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said keeper means comprises a keeper bar mounted on-the lower end of each of said side frame members and extending downwardly thereform and being dimensionally sized so as to nest within the open top end of each of said corner members when in use and being held in position there by means of said restraining means.

6. The modular storage and shipping rack as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein each of said corner members and said side frame members are V-shaped in configuration and are dimensionally sized so as to form a butt joint when said endframes are mounted in position on said rectangular base member.

7. The modular storage and-shipping rack as set forth in claim 6 above, wherein said restraining means comprises a restraint plate mounted across the open legs of said V-shaped corner member, thereby to form a well as between said restraint plate and the legs of said V- shaped corner member, and said keeper means comprises a V-shaped keeper bar mounted on the lower end of said V-shaped side frame member and extending downwardly therefrom, said V-shaped keeper bar being dimensionally sized so as to nest within the well formed by said restraint plate, and the open legs of said V-shaped corner member.

8. The modular storage and shipping rack as set forth in claim 7 above, wherein the lower end portions of each of said corner members is flared outwardly thereby to form an open flared V-shaped configuration and being dimensionally sized so as to nestingly receive therein the V-shaped top end portion of acorresponding corner member, thereby to permit end-to-end stacking of one modular rack unit atop another. 

1. A modular storage and shipping rack for storing and shipping various articles of manufacture, comprising, in combination: a rectangular base member, said base member formed by a series of two pair of corner members, each of said corner members having an open side, one pair of said corner members being disposed such that the open sides of the corner members of said pair are in opposed relation with respect to the remaining pair of corner members, a pair of end rails, each of said rails being fixedly secured to and extending between one pair of said corner members, a pair of side rails, each of said side rails, fixedly secured to and extending between said opposed pairs of corner members, each of said corner members being constructionally sized to provide mounting nests at the top and bottom ends thereof, the top end of the open side of each of said corner members including restraining means mounted there across, key means mounted across the open side of each of said corner members positioned below and spaced from said restraining means thereby to provide an open space there between, and with said key means and restraining means lying in the same vertical planE, a pair of removable rectangular shaped end frames, each end frame consisting of a pair of opposed side frame members, having a top transverse member fixedly secured there between, each side frame member having an extension plate mounted inwardly of said frame member adjacent the lower end thereof, and extending downwardly therefrom, said extension plate positioned to rest in close vertically parallel orientation and substantially abuting relation with respect to said restraining means and key means, a lower transverse member fixedly secured on and extending between opposed extension plates of opposed side frame members, a plurality of article retaining upright members mounted on and extending between said top transverse member and said lower transverse member, key mating means mounted on said lower transverse member extending transverse with respect to the plane established by said restraining means and key means and positioned to mate with said key means when said rectangular end frames are mounted on said rectangular base member, and keeper means mounted on the lower end of each of said side frame members, said keeper means being dimensionally sized to nest within said top end of said corner member and be held in position by said restraining means such that said keeper means nests entirely within said top end of said corner member permitting each of said side frame members and corresponding corner members to be in abuting relation, whereby said rectangular end frames may be removably mounted on said base member by nesting each of said keeper means within the top end of a corresponding corner member and held in position by said restraining means, while said key mating means is simultaneously mated with said key means to provide additional vertical stability and permit the lower end of each of said side frame members to abut against and form a joint with the top end of the corresponding corner member while said keeper means, restraining means, key means and key mating means are all positioned inwardly with respect to each of said corner members and side frame members.
 2. The modular storage and shipping rack as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said restraining means comprises a restraint plate mounted across the open side of each of said corner members adjacent the top end thereof, and forming a well to accommodate the nesting therein of said keeper means.
 3. The modular storage and shipping rack as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said key means comprises a notched key plate mounted across the open side of each of said corner members below said restraining means, the notched portion of said notched key plate being dimensionally sized so as to accept said key mating means.
 4. The modular storage and shipping rack as set forth in claim 3 above, wherein said key mating means comprises a key mating rod mounted on said lower transverse member and extending outwardly beyond said extension plate and being dimensionally sized so as to nest within the notched portion of said notched key plate, when said side frame members are positioned in vertical orientation upon said rectangular base member.
 5. The modular storage and shipping rack as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein said keeper means comprises a keeper bar mounted on the lower end of each of said side frame members and extending downwardly thereform and being dimensionally sized so as to nest within the open top end of each of said corner members when in use and being held in position there by means of said restraining means.
 6. The modular storage and shipping rack as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein each of said corner members and said side frame members are V-shaped in configuration and are dimensionally sized so as to form a butt joint when said end frames are mounted in position on said rectangular base member.
 7. The modular storage and shipping rack as set forth in claim 6 above, wherein said restraining means comprises a restraint plate mountEd across the open legs of said V-shaped corner member, thereby to form a well as between said restraint plate and the legs of said V-shaped corner member, and said keeper means comprises a V-shaped keeper bar mounted on the lower end of said V-shaped side frame member and extending downwardly therefrom, said V-shaped keeper bar being dimensionally sized so as to nest within the well formed by said restraint plate, and the open legs of said V-shaped corner member.
 8. The modular storage and shipping rack as set forth in claim 7 above, wherein the lower end portions of each of said corner members is flared outwardly thereby to form an open flared V-shaped configuration and being dimensionally sized so as to nestingly receive therein the V-shaped top end portion of a corresponding corner member, thereby to permit end-to-end stacking of one modular rack unit atop another. 